I often write about the significance of networking, merely because it is the lifeline of a songwriting career. Most of us will need to establish and expand our networks as the business grows and changes, and so this process continues throughout the life of our career.
We all know about Myspace for artists to showcase their music and attract fans, but what about the songwriter who doesn’t perform? What kinds of networking opportunities are available for those trying to reach a broader audience or who don’t play an instrument or have a specific ‘sound’ like a band or singer/songwriter might have?
I think the first step in answering this question is defining what we want to accomplish with our songs. There are so many opportunities to create and perform music, but not all are going to bring us the fulfillment we’re looking for. You might have the dream of writing a song that will stand the test of time, becoming a household tune. You might aspire to encourage others with your positive music, bridge cultural or social gaps, transform the way we see ourselves or our theologies, philosophies, etc. Or, you may simply want to entertain.
Perhaps a better question then is, ‘who’ do we want to benefit from this dream of ours? If we can clearly define the audience who will appreciate our music, we can more clearly define the road to reaching that audience. The short-term steps will be more effective, and the long-terms payoffs more satisfying.
Sometimes understanding ‘who’ we want to influence starts with our own introspection, but sometimes it starts with looking at the songs we’re already writing and the people they’re already affecting. Each of us has to consider that our unique voices can’t be everything to everybody. I have a unique sound that is a combination of my voice, my influences, my knowledge about the craft, my life experiences that direct my lyrics, etc. Though I may love all kinds of music, the music I create is not appealing to all kinds of people. It serves me well to understand the genre my music fits within. That understanding allows me to isolate the opportunities that are going to afford me the most success and satisfaction.
As a songwriter in the Nashville music market, I had to learn what characterizes the songs artists there are looking for. Then, I had to begin to understand what it is about my music that is unique, but also where my musical voice and that particular market intersect. The more I am able to offer something that no one else can offer while staying relevant, the more success I have.
As you’re thinking about your own musical style, you might think back to times where your songs have been played well or especially appreciated by audiences. Aside from your mom, who has been particularly inspired by your songs? What were the circumstances? If you haven’t yet had the chance to play your songs for many people, this would be a great time to start. It takes years to grow into our own skin as writers and artists, and lots of failed attempts too. If you’re just beginning to write regularly, start recording rough demos of your songs and gauging reactions from listeners. Your own reactions are telling too, as those areas we’re not confident in speak more loudly when there is someone else in the room.
There are a few activities every songwriter can do to generate interest in their writing and inspire forward movement along the path to writing more skillfully.
The first is getting involved with a songwriting community. It may not seem like much, but in my opinion it is one of the most powerful steps you can make. You can receive and give feedback, you can find co-writers, you can expand your knowledge of the industry from the experiences of others, and you can become more aware of opportunities in your own city for musicians and songwriters. You might find a guitar player or pianist who can help you record a good version of your song. You might meet a vocalist you like who can sing that song. You’ll learn about song camps in Nashville and other places, how you might expect to pitch your songs when the time is right, and advice about song competitions, TAXI, and other organizations like ASCAP and BMI. It’s the information and the relationships that are important here, and they are the doorway to the informed decisions you’ll be making later as a writer in the competitive market.
For ideas on how to find workshops or communities in your area, I recommend two websites. The first is the Nashville Songwriters Association, International.,
www.nashvillesongwriters.com. The second is Just Plain Folks, at www.jpfolks.com. Tour these sites and understand what they do. Whether or not you decide to become a member, it is the consistent participation in these groups that will gain you those first steps in moving your hobby or career forward. Another great site to check out is The Muse’s Muse at www.musesmuse.com. This site has some excellent resources for writers, from articles to co-writing opportunities.
As you get more familiar with the way the industry works and meet other writers, you’ll begin to understand new ways you can market your own talents and skills. Becoming immersed in the community is the first step to opening up doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Each of us arrives at our destination by a different route, so your path will be like no one else’s. Just keep writing and gathering knowledge, always comparing your information with what you hear and see around you. Have fun along the way, and roll with the punches. There are some things we can control – like our craft and our relationships. Keep focusing on what gives you the energy to try again and again, and you’ll surely look back in amazement at how far you’ve come.
